Audio Production Worktext

Chapter 4 Microphones

Dynamic microphones can handle extremely high sound levels, which makes it almost impossible to overload them, and they are not usually affected by temperature or humidity extremes. Dynamic microphones also can lose some light, delicate sounds, because the mass of the diaphragm requires a fairly high level of sound to move it. Even though dynamic microphones are fairly rugged, like all microphones, they are fragile to some extent and should be handled with care, just like any other piece of audio production equipment. Some condenser microphones are able to utilize small internal power supplies or phantom power rather than a battery. Built-in microphones on many portable audio recorders and smartphones are often condenser microphones and they provide fairly good quality for both consumer and professional needs. Although different sensitivity-rating systems can be employed, condenser microphones generally have high-sensitivity specifications, and dynamic microphones have medium sensitivity.

4.6 The Omnidirectional Pickup Pattern

The Omnidirectional Pickup Pattern

4.7 The Cardioid Pickup Pattern

The Cardiod Pickup Pattern

4.9 Impedance of Microphones

Matching Microphone Impedance with Equipment

4.10 Other Microphone Pickup Patterns

The Bidirectional Pickup Pattern

4.11 Proximity Effect and Bass Roll-Off

Proximity Effect and Bass Roll-Off

4.12 Microphone Feedback

Microphone Feedback

4.14 Stereo Sound

Stereo Sound

We hear sound in stereo because most sounds arrive at one ear before the other. In other words, the right ear hears a slightly different sound perspective from the left ear. This allows us to locate sound by turning our head until the sound is ‘centered.’

Monaural (Mono) Sound

When we compare stereo sound to monophonic sound, we quickly realize that stereo adds both ‘depth’ and ‘imaging’ to the sound.

4.18 Microphone Accessories

Syllabant Pops

Announcing words that emphasize the p, b, ort sounds naturally produces a sharp puff of air and can produce a pop when hitting the microphone (especially with a dynamic microphone).

Using a Pop Filter to Reduce Pops

Announcing words that emphasize the p, b, ort sounds naturally produces a sharp puff of air and can produce a pop when hitting the microphone (especially with a dynamic microphone). The pop filter eliminates or reduces the problem.